Issue #1304

Issue no: 1304

• JULY 9 - 15, 2021 • PUBLISHED WEEKLY

FOCUS ON TBILISI PRIDE Violent clashes and international condemnation as the Georgian LGBTQI community, its supporters and opposing side take to the streets

PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue...

Corona Updates: Georgia to Kick off Mass COVID-19 Vaccination NEWS PAGE 2

PAGE 3,4,8

Anchors Away for a New Georgian Navy POLITICS PAGE 6

Iset Agri Review | The Agricultural Sector In 2020 ISET PAGE 7

Are We Seriously Losing Our Chance at Westernization?

SOCIETY PAGE 8

Photo by Tbel Abuseridze

A Rock and A Hard Place - Experiences on the Ground at the July 6-7 Protests BLOG BY MICHAEL GODWIN

O

n the evening of July 6, two sides of a controversial issue came to a head when supporters of the LGBTQ advancement of rights and the opposition to this met outside the Georgian parliament building in Tbilisi. I spent time on both sides of the police line, which was a loose 20-25 meter no-man's land between the two groups. While police maintained general control of the two groups, there were several instances that allowed for circumstances to become volatile.

Upon approaching the active demonstrations, it was clear both sides had drawn a significant following. Many of the pro-Church organizations had taken positions around the outside of the parliament square, shouting various slogans and expressing their distrust of the Pride movement.

On occasion, some would attempt to outflank the police barricade, resulting in a subsequent arrest.

Continued on page 3

Georgian-Austrian LiteraryEcological Parallels Dedicated to Memory of Poet, Environmentalist Nugzar Zazanashvili CULTURE PAGE 10

The History of Georgian Ceramics: One of Georgia’s Oldest Traditions Still Very Much Alive Today CULTURE PAGE 11 CULTURE PAGE 11 Prepared for Georgia Today Business by

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2

NEWS

GEORGIA TODAY JULY 9 - 15, 2021

Corona Updates: Georgia to Kick off Mass COVID-19 Vaccination

BY ANA DUMBADZE

F

ollowing the lifting of several COVID-19 restrictions, the number of newly detected coronavirus cases daily has continued to increase in Geor-

gia.

The increase is significant, and is causing concern among epidemiologists, who call on the population not to relax and to continue observing safety norms, such as maintaining social distance, washing hands and wearing face masks indoors and on public transport.

During the week, the country recorded no less than 1000 new cases and 10 deaths on a daily basis.

Considering the increased risk of pandemic spread, on July 2, Georgian Airways announced that starting from July 5, all vaccinated persons will also need to submit a negative PCR. “Dear ! Further to the existing regulations, updates have been made and starting from July 5, all vaccinated persons will also need to submit a negative PCR test result not older than 72 hours upon arrival at the airport, along with a document confirming a full course of Covid vaccine,” read the statement.

The total number of confirmed cases reached 372,685 on Wednesday, among them, 356,780 people had recovered and 5394 died.

Presently, the daily test-positivity rate stands at 3.65%.

Of 633 critical patients, 164 require mechanical ventilation.

THE VACCINE The good news was that on July 2, the country received one million doses of the Chinese Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines. The reservation window for Sinopharm was opened for a period of two weeks, after which the registration

for Sinovac will start.

Unfortunately, on Saturday, the vaccination registration portal booking. moh.gov.ge was hacked, which hindered the process for those seeking to book their place throughout the day. The Ministry of Internal Affairs is investigating the cyber-crime.

The next day, Deputy Minister of Health Tamar Gabunia stated that despite the web portal resuming work, only about 27,000 bookings, fewer than expected, had been made.

Gabunia warned that the number of daily new coronavirus cases was still high and the healthcare sector is fully mobilized.

“There are 100,000 bookings open for citizens,” Gabunia claimed, going on to call on the population not to postpone

immunization. She said that 160 vaccination centers across Georgia were involved in the mass immunization program, while up to 350 COVID-19 vaccination teams across the country were ready to start vaccinating.

NCDC Head Amiran Gamkrelidze also claimed that the vaccination process is moving forward, “but specialists are not satisfied with the pace.”

"About 6,000 doses have been booked today. Activity is gradually increasing, but the pace, of course, does not satisfy us. 33,000 bookings were made for Sinopharm, which was launched yesterday.

Slightly more than 5,000 people were vaccinated on Monday and Tuesday.

“The epidemic situation is unfortunately deteriorating. The positivity rate is going up, the only way to stop it is

mass vaccination," he noted.

The country awaits another one million doses of coronavirus jabs in the coming weeks.

As of July 7, a total of 277,872 vaccinations had been administered, while 109,825 people can claim to be fully vaccinated.

Booking a vaccine is possible online at booking.moh.gov.ge, or through hotline 1522.

THE GLOBAL SPREAD Regarding the COVID situation and the spread of the Delta (Indian) strain worldwide, the situation still remains alarming.

Some epidemiologists in Georgia believe that the Indian strain will completely replace the traditional strain in

the country within a few weeks.

In order to prevent the spread of Delta, a number of European countries have already introduced restrictions on arrivals from countries that have recorded higher numbers of Delta variant cases.

However, experts believe that it is only a matter of time until the variant entirely takes off in mainland Europe.

The Delta variant now accounts for half of the Covid-19 cases in many areas of the US, President Joe Biden said Tuesday, urging unvaccinated Americans to get the Covid-19 shots as the US faces a dramatic rise in the "hypertransmissible" variant of the coronavirus.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the public recently that the risk of the disease has been reduced via mass vaccination, but while has been far from eliminated, he announced plans to remove the legal enforcement of coronavirus restrictions as of July 19.

Sydney residents will be in lockdown for another week as Australia's largest city fights to contain a Covid-19 outbreak. A stay-at-home order was issued on 26 June. Australia has recorded 910 deaths and fewer than 31,000 cases since the pandemic began.

In Turkey, up to 5000 new cases and 40 deaths on average were reported daily during the last week.

The same applies to Russia, as the country on Tuesday recorded 737 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours: a new pandemic record and a 13% increase from the previous record of 697 set on Saturday as the country continues to fight the more-contagious Delta variant.

Moscow, the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic within Russia, recorded 114 deaths, slightly less than its record set last week.

“Russia set new coronavirus death records for five days straight last week as the surge in infections overwhelmed hospitals and healthcare systems,” reported the Moscow Times.

Georgian Wheelchair Fencing Team Named World Champions

BY KETEVAN SKHIRTLADZE

T

he Wheelchair Fencing World Championships in Warsaw ended with the victory of the Georgian wheelchair fencing team.

The Georgian wheelchair fencing team

won the first gold medal for the Georgian Paralympic movement and were declared World Champions.

The heroes of the historic victory of Georgia’s wheelchair fencing national team are Irma Khetsuriani, Nino Tibilashvili, and Gvantsa Zadishvili.

The Georgian team defeated the Ukrainian team in the final 45:44 to win gold.

Tamar Archuadze, UAG: Renovated Kutaisi International Airport to Employ 1200, Creating New Jobs for the Imereti Region

BY TEAM GT

A Irma Khetsuriani's facebook page

rrangement of the interior of the renovated Kutaisi International Airport has been completed, seeing the old and new terminals merged into one. According to Tamar Archuadze, Director of United Airports of Georgia, as a result of the expansion, Kutaisi International Airport will be able to serve 2.5 million passengers annually.

"The airport is six times bigger than it used to be,” she notes. “Today, we have the capacity to serve 2.5 million passengers per year while handling 1200 passengers at peak times. Passengers will receive improved services at the renovated airport: more staff, more food

facilities, and improved infrastructure.

“Passengers will also have the opportunity to self-check, baggage drop off, as well as to use international brand food outlets at the renovated Kutaisi airport,” she adds. “In implementing this expansion, additional jobs have been created for those living in the Imereti region: the airport, together with its contactors, will be employing up to 1200 people in future.”

She also notes that, as a result of merging the two terminals, Kutaisi Airport now has a single terminal with arrival and departure halls and all the equipment needed for smooth operation.

The concept-design of the David Agmashenebeli Kutaisi International Airport Terminal belongs to the Dutch architectural company UN STUDIO, and Mariam Karkarashvili, ArchitectDesigner of United Airports of Georgia,

who adapted the existing concept to the airport requirements, and created the interior design of the terminal from the Georgian side.

The area of the old terminal of Kutaisi International Airport was 4800 square meters. As a result of the expansion, the total area of the terminal has been increased to 30,000 square meters. The number of check-in desks has increased from 10 to 18 (including two baggage drop-off desks). The number of border checkpoints has increased from 6 to 11 in the arrivals zone, and from eight to 14 on the take-off side, while the commercial space has increased from 200 m2 to 2,000 m2. As such, the newly expanded airport can now serve more than 2.5 million travelers per year, an increase of more than four times the passenger capacity of the previous terminal.

NEWS

GEORGIA TODAY JULY 9 - 15, 2021

3

Georgian Animation Wins Two Prizes at Paris International Animated Film Festival

BY KETEVAN SKHIRTLADZE

A

Georgian animation has won two prizes at the Paris International Animation Film Festival (PIAFF).

‘Abandoned Village,’ an animation made by Mariam Kapanadze, won both the Jury Award and Audience Award.

“The idea of the film had been growing in me for a long time, and the creation of the visual, artistic mood

of the village itself is connected with Upper Imereti,” Kapanadze noted.

“Abandoned Village is a metaphor for a person who has forgotten the main feeling that comes from creating a world of love.

“At first, I had a script for a short feature film, but then I changed my mind because I wanted to try the animation genre. For me, the important thing was to focus on the artistic side of the film, that the example of one abandoned village, would make us, humans, remember an abandoned homeland, world, friend, or parent,” she added.

Austria Gifts and Delivers 5000 Doses of AstraZeneca

BY KETEVAN SKHIRTLADZE

G

eorgia received 5,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine as a gift from the Austrian government this week, which has already arrived

in Georgia.

“Happy to inform that 5000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines handed as a gift to Georgia by Austria safely landed in Tbilisi airport.

“Austria has demonstrated true friendship and solidarity! Many thanks to Austrian counterparts MFA-Austria, every personinvolved!Muchappreciated,”posted Keti Tsikhelashvili, Ambassador of Georgia to Austria on her Facebook page.

The Georgian Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, David Zalkaliani, responded to the event via Twitter, “Grateful to my colleague Alexander Schallenberg & MFA-Austria for 5000 doses of AstraZeneca Vaccine that have just arrived in Tbilisi. Joint efforts & cooperation in the fight against the COVID19 pandemic are of paramount importance. Your support is much appreciated,” he tweeted.

Source of a quote: filmmaker.ge

A Rock and A Hard Place - Experiences on the Ground at the July 6-7 Protests Continued from page 1 Other members of the pro-Church movement were tame, and simply debated with the police over their allegiance.

Passing through the police line required not only a presentation of journalistic and personal credentials, but a short questioning. After some negotiation, the police allowed me to pass, despite verbal opposition from some of those nearby.

The Pride contingent made no notice of my approach, and I entered their gathering uncontested.

At first, the only visible signs of aggression were the shouts and jeers of each side, complemented with raised middle fingers and other related gestures. While both sides sported Georgian flags, some worn as capes, the Pride section also brandished European Union flags. Walking through the throng of people, a mixture of calm and anger could be felt.

Some seemed to exhibit a relaxed nature while others were more militant in their position. While it did not seem alcohol was overtly present, the strong aroma of marijuana was, and was even witnessed being smoked on at least one occasion.

As the protest began to escalate, small fireworks and eggs were thrown into the Pride group. Periodically, people would be seen ducking and dodging eggs coming into the crowd. Being near the police line, I was caught on two occasions by thrown eggs.

As I shifted to the southern side of the

Pride protester displaying a rock that was allegedly thrown at him. Photo by Mike Godwin

protest, more fireworks were thrown, not just at the Pride protestors, but seemingly also at the police. Police special operations units began unloading equipment and moving into the parliament building. While most pro-Church protesters respected the increasingly strong police line, a faction of them had split off and moved into the nearby renovation area of the Youth Palace.

It began as an outflanking maneuver, but quickly resorted to launching small wooden beams and both earthen and cement projectiles. I was unlucky enough to be struck by one on my leg, but was quickly pushed back by police. While the police corralled the nearby journalists and Pride protesters, a simultaneous counter assault by the officers in the area quelled the outbreak.

It was this display that made the police

decide to begin moving Pride protesters and journalists off the parliamentary square. As the pro-Church organizers began to overwhelm the police lines, Pride demonstrators were moved into the side streets. Pro-Church members moved into the square, and took positions near the front steps. Leading members began taking turns making rallying speeches while a strong smell of eccliesatical incense began to fill the air.

For the remainder of the night, a heavy police presence saturated the historic Rustaveli Avenue. While most protesters, both pro-Church and Pride, began to dissipate, the control of law enforcement for both entry and exit of the area continued. Even as far away as Vera Park, officers were seen on watch, despite occasionally resting to enjoy coffee and a bakery item. Slowly, each side dispersed

and the intense situation became docile.

Broadly speaking, it was tame by most standards. I never felt I was in any true danger, despite being hit by several of the projectiles. However, it can be noted that my threshold for what is “dangerous” could be regarded as slightly higher than normal, or even necessary. While the police will need to review their actions and make corrections in an afteraction report, a catastrophic outbreak of violence was avoided and each side was largely protected.

Structural damage and bodily harm was kept to a minimum, and those who attempted to engage in unlawful activities were arrested. Both sides will need to consult with themselves on how they will engage in dialogue at the next meeting, as there are signs of serious issues in this regard. Pro-Church members will

Photo by Mike Godwin

need to police their own and remove those seeking violence and severe aggression. Pride members will need to reduce their instigation tactics and ensure their members present an improved image on the national stage.

Finally, police will need to advance their crowd control tactics as well as become more fluid and agile in responding to growing threats. While this is certainly not the last incident regarding the two opposing positions, it is another interesting chapter in what will be a reckoning for Georgia’s future on the world stage. With neither party backing down, it is likely that both sides will need to make concessions if there is to be any peace on the steps of Parliament.

For full coverage of Pride Week and all the latest news, check out georgiatoday.ge.

4

POLITICS

GEORGIA TODAY JULY 9 - 15, 2021

What the Namakhvani Protest Says about Georgian Politics ANALYSIS BY SOLOMON ALVARES

T

he protests against the construction of the Namakhvani Hydroelectric Power Plant (NHPP), have been increasingly associated with the shady politics in Georgia. Anti-establishment tendencies are on the rise, and protests are mainly motivated by a lack of faith in the political parties. There is an increasing understanding among the populace that most of political parties are an indivisable political class bent on the pursuit of financial gains and less interested in real development of the economy.

The Namakhvani project is a source of foreign direct investment (FDI) of a staggering $800 million. The inflow of FDI into Georgia has been in decline for some time, aggravating Georgia’s poor economic performance, hampered by high inflation, low salaries, and growing unemployment. The NHPP as a “historic project,” as it would create up to 2000 new jobs and solve one of Georgia’s most pressing energy troubles, as more than 35% of the energy consumed in Georgia is imported. This number is likely to grow in coming years.

Another argument of the proponents is that unless a project of this magnitude is implemented, the country’s energy security will be undermined, with the margin between local production and the level of import set to increase over the next years.

The NHPP is being constructed and managed by ENKA Renewables, which owns 90% of the project. The remaining 10% is owned by the Clean Energy Group company.

But there are also problems surrounding the project itself. Various allegations were confirmed in a report published by the Georgian online media outlet Mtis Ambebi. In a “classified” letter composed by the Justice Ministry, a number of negative remarks were made regarding the terms in the NHPP agreement.

There is a significant background to the anti-NHPP protests, which gradually became an all-Georgia development. In 1978, the largest hydroelectric power plant in Georgia, a 251-meter-tall dam

on the Inguri River was constructed. In the mid-1980s, the Khudoni hydroelectric power plant was planned on the Inguri River, but was halted within the decade due to public demonstrations.

The anti-NHPP protest evolved into a movement against the country’s entire political class. One example the protesters use is that in 2012, the Georgian Dream party, which at the time was a part of the country’s opposition bloc, promised local residents they would stop the construction of the NHPP. This

means for the protest movement that the entire political class on both sides of the aisle, whether it is the United National Movement or Georgian Dream, are the same.

The anti-NHPP movement also coincided with the deep political crisis the country has been through over the past year when, as a result of the parliamentary elections in October 2020, the population grew increasingly tired of the political games between the parties. Drop in support among the population was

significant. Furthermore, pandemicrelated economic problems aided the trend, which meant that at a certain point, major Georgian political parties could have been engulfed in an existential crisis against a people movement angered by shady politics within the government, regardless of which party was in charge.

However, the Tbilisi-based protest, supposed to be a turning point, failed to achieve its country-wide dimension. No serious concessions were made by the authorities. It is now also unlikely that the protests will lead to a change of power. Such rallies may become more frequent, but the government has taken the initiative. Propaganda-wise, on government-associated TV channels as well as through social media, a pro-NHPP agenda quickly managed to gain momentum. More and more people begin to think of the NHPP as a necessary project.

This twist also coincides with a relative stabilization of the political life in the country, with opposition parties having entered the legislative after months of boycotting. Another strand of propaganda has been aimed at the leaders of the Namakhvani protest, criticizing their allegedly anti-Turkish stance (since ENKA is a Turkish company), thence xenophobic attitude. Some attempts to link the protests to Russia were also made. Furthermore, political parties too distanced themselves from discussions on the project.

In Georgia, there are growing sentiments against the political class. The latter, regardless which party is in power or opposition, is growingly seen as representing one entity, which has not been particularly vested in the improvement of the economy and social conditions of the country.

Georgia Needs to Do Better: Int’l Community Condemns the Anti-Pride Violence

BY TEAM GT

O

n July 5, as part of Pride Week in Tbilisi, a “March of Honor” was planned on Rustaveli Avenue. Because of the planned event, on June 5 and 6, homophobic groups took to the streets, harassed journalists, and raided offices. Due to the aggression of violent groups, the March of Honor was not held.

GEORGIA TODAY has compiled just some of the many reactions to the Tbilisi Pride Week events from Georgia’s international partners and supporters.

“We strongly condemn the July 5 violent attacks against civil activists, com-

munity members and journalists in Tbilisi, which regrettably forced the cancellation of the LGBTQI+ Pride March,” reads the statement released by MEPs Marina Kaljurand, Sven Mikser and Viola von Cramon Taubadel.

“Unfortunately, the Georgian authorities and religious representatives failed to speak loud and clear against homophobic rhetoric in the run-up to the Pride March.

We deplore the Georgian government’s lack of readiness to guarantee the safety of this gathering devoted to tolerance.

“Like any other citizens, LGBTQI+ persons should be able to enjoy their constitutional rights such as participation in peaceful gatherings.

“The Georgian authorities have been vocal about their intention to apply formally for EU membership by 2024. In

this respect, we wish to remind them that the prerequisites for accession to the EU, also known as the Copenhagen criteria, provide, among others, that a candidate country has stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities.

“We expect the Georgian authorities to see that the perpetrators of the aforementioned attacks are apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” reads the statement.

“LGBTQI+ rights are NOT a marginal issue,” Charles Michel, President of the European Council, noted Wednesday, adding that in the European Union, they don’t discriminate, they integrate.

Michel published a video of his speech at the plenary session of the European

Parliament on Twitter.

“LGBTQI+ rights are NOT a marginal issue. They are concrete examples of how society relates to diversity, and how it relates to human dignity. It touches on our most intimate thoughts and beliefs: our fundamental liberties. In the European Union, we don’t discriminate. We integrate,” Michel stated.

“Democracy in Georgia is at stake, and all actors, including government, must act with full responsibility,” Czech Ambassador to Georgia Petr Mikyska said following the rallies.

“Shocked by scenes of violence, attacks on journalists and NGOs offices in Tbilisi. Perpetrators must be brought to justice immediately, constitutional rights and freedoms restored. Democracy in Georgia is at stake and all actors, including the government, must act with full responsibility,” the Ambassador tweeted.

US Department of State Spokesperson Ned Price also responded to the Pride-

related events in Tbilisi, and condemned the violent attacks.

“We condemn the July 5 violent attacks in Georgia on civic activists, community members, and journalists. Georgia’s leaders and law enforcement are obligated to protect the constitutional rights to freedom of expression and assembly and prosecute those participating in violence,” he tweeted.

As a result of the assaults by the opponents of Tbilisi Pride, 47 media representatives were injured.

“Watching events across Tbilisi. Violence, threats towards the LGBTI+ and attacks on journalists, damage Georgia’s reputation as tolerant, hospitable country,” reads the statement released by the British Embassy in Georgia.

“We call on the authorities to prevent further violence and protect the individual rights and liberties of all Georgian citizens as per Georgia’s Constitution,” the Embassy said.

IWG plc, Level 4, 2 Leonidze str. Tbilisi, Georgia | +995 32 290 039

6

POLITICS

GEORGIA TODAY JULY 9 - 15, 2021

Anchors Away for a New Georgian Navy

Photo by NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images

ANALYSIS BY MICHAEL GODWIN

V

irtually all nations with significant coastlines maintain, as a part of their larger armed forces, a naval service component. While there are exceptions, mostly small Pacific islands that defer to Australia for military defense, coastal defense is a key component. This becomes more important when the particular body of water bordering the nation is strategically vital to regional defense. In Georgia’s case, this is the Black Sea. With the recent Sea Breeze 2021 naval training exercise, the images of NATO’s tall ships juxtaposed to Georgia’s smaller white Coast Guard boats displayed this disparity in naval power. With 310 kilometers of coastline, it’s somewhat shameful that there is no Navy stationed anywhere along this coast. This has not always been the case. While the Georgian Navy was never over 19 vessels, none of

which were of significant size by current NATO comparison, it still served with distinction. During the Abkhaz War, they managed to evacuate many women and children and even score a victory against a small flotilla of enemy boats.

Following the internal conflicts, Georgia was supported with vessels and training by Ukraine after Russia blocked the sale or transfer of equipment. Turkey even donated material and training throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s.

However, during the 2008 War, Russian aircraft and naval ships attacked the city and naval port of Poti. In the process of sinking a plurality of the Georgian Navy’s vessels, the city was ransacked by Russian land forces. In the aftermath, Georgia merged the remnants of the Navy with the Coast Guard.

Since then, the Coast Guard has operated with increasing success in training operations with NATO, as well as hosting various Black Sea naval patrols. This has laid the groundwork of knowledge and experience for the future of the next, reborn, Georgian Navy. In fact,

the Coast Guard, a part of the larger Border Police of Georgia in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, maintains several small ships that would make for the first warships. In addition, the procurement of more vessels of larger size and of diverse capabilities would take place.

To do this, the Navy would need to turn to some of the larger nations that are retiring their older but perfectly capable ships.

An ample candidate for this is the United States Navy. Their mothball fleet has been slowly growing as the force shrinks due to the lack of significant naval power in the world overall. When compared to their Cold War era navy, and particularly their Second World War navy, they only have a fraction of the need for large battleships and cruisers. As these ships become either unnecessary financially or obsolete to newer models, they are often sent to a scrapyard or sold to allied navies. In fact, when looking at many of the NATO navies during the cold war, much of the fleets were staffed by ships that once served the United States Navy

against the axis forces.

The large transfer of these ships was aimed as a strengthening maneuver to counter the potential of Soviet aggression in Europe. Now, as Russia begins to mimic this aggression, even acting on it in Georgia and Ukraine, it becomes another opportunity to check this expansionism. Indeed, a new Georgian Navy would also cut off Russia from its campaign in Syria. As it is Russia’s “baby” in foreign military policy, slicing this element from their proverbial fat would keep them in their sphere and contain the threat in the embattled Middle East nation.

However, the focus would, and should, remain on the region. Supporting a key ally in the Black Sea would be instrumental in keeping Russia’s Black Sea Fleet in check. Particularly since they have become so unleashed as to fire warning shots at a passing British Royal Navy ship, something that in past times would elicit counter actions.

Of course, reviving such a sizable navy is not without its expenses. From crew costs to maintenance, keeping warships is no inexpensive affair. With proper political maneuvering, some support can come from foreign entities. However, it is not a viable long-term plan, and a new Georgian Navy requires the support that

will keep the Black Sea in the firm grasp of trustworthy forces. To do this, Georgia may need to reduce its frivolous government spending and focus on things that affect its sovereignty. Fewer leather chairs, more anti-aircraft weapons.

With the Black Sea being the next naval flashpoint, a position contested only by the South China Sea, it is imperative that NATO keep a close ally in the region.

Turkey, while a NATO member and with a navy to support this mission, is not enough. Their recent purchase of Russian military hardware should be enough to push NATO to invest in an insurance policy, namely Georgia. Georgian naval assets would be instrumental in orchestrating a network of security and safety against the reckless Russian Black Sea Navy.

Shifting this power to Georgia is not only a move to promote Georgia’s ascension to NATO, but also a guarantee of trust and partnership. This level of investment is something Tbilisi would surely welcome, with Washington D.C. and Brussels operating with more freedom with the Black Sea out of the grasp of the Kremlin. While the cost of a new navy is not contestable, the cost of surrendering the Black Sea, and as such the South Caucasus, is far more expensive and in more so than mere dollars.

Image source: Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs

BUSINESS

GeoGAP, Setting the Standards: Translating Consumer Requirements into Good Agricultural Practice

BY ANA DUMBADZE AND KATIE RUTH DAVIES

G

LOBALG.A.P. is an internationally recognized set of farming standards based on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). The principal objective of the scheme is to ensure the safety and quality of agricultural products and sustainable practices among farmers, retailers, and consumers.

There is a strong and growing demand from consumers, retailers, suppliers, and producers in Georgia for food safety standards to be established, yet, today, micro and small farmers from Georgia are not always able to comply with international standards.

To address this, the Georgian Farmers Association (GFA), with the support of USAID through its ‘Zrda’ project, has developed a local standard, named GeoGAP, for primary agricultural products, at the initial stage dealing with fruits and vegetables.

Through GeoGAP, which is tailored to local conditions, the GFA is supporting local farmers in the process of adopting sustainable agricultural practices to be in line with food safety requirements, thus helping them to move towards European standards. In addition, this will help increase food safety on local markets and promote exports of high quality products from Georgia.

We spoke to three Georgian farmers

Giorgi Tediashvili: It’s a special feeling when a product made by your hands is distinguished in quality, can only benefit consumers, and does no harm to the environment

who have already received their GeoGAP certification, and one who is on the way to getting his, while being well-aware that there are more such farmers in the pipeline aspiring to achieve this international-standard recognition.

RAISING THE STANDARD OF APPLE GROWING “I’ve had these orchards for ten years,

and even now I’m in the process of constant learning and discovery,” says Giorgi Tediashvili, a GeoGAP Certified Farmer from Breti village, Kareli region.

Giorgi is an agronomist by profession.

He was educated first in Georgia and then in Germany. The idea of running his own farm emerged many years ago.

He knew exactly from the start that taking special care during the production

process would be the key point and pillar of his activities.

He also knew he needed a team and an auxiliary system in his work, and the possibility of getting local certification from GeoGAP greatly appealed to him. The gradual implementation of the requirements of GeoGAP made his activities more consistent and of higher quality.

"You should grow your produce exactly as if it is intended for your own family members,” he tells us. “It’s a special feeling when you know that a product made by your hands is distinguished in quality, can only benefit consumers, and does no harm to the environment.”

Today, Giorgi cultivates seven varieties of apples, and is constantly working on experimental varieties, of which he boasts in excess of 50 types, with plans to expand further and produce new crops. With the introduction of GeoGAP certification and the production of a safe product, he is now able to offer distinguished quality products to customers on the local market and in doing so, to gain their trust. Further, he now has the opportunity to go beyond Georgia and try his hand in other countries.

WHY WOULD YOU ADVISE FARMERS TO WORK TOWARDS THE GEOGAP STANDARD THEMSELVES? “If your goal is to produce a quality, safe product, and to constantly increase and expand production, you can consider GeoGAP a helper that will teach you and facilitate the path to safe, international

quality production,” Giorgi tells us.

BRANCHING OUT INTO EXOTIC HERBS Kakha Tutberidze has been running a greenhouse in Rustavi for several years now, together with his family.

Initially, the goal was to cultivate wellknown, traditional crops, but the course soon changed and they decided to grow “exotic” herbs that were totally new to Georgia. Today, their list of products includes Kale, Pak-Choi, Mizuna, and Fennel, the taste and aroma of which quickly captured their Georgian customers’ imagination.

The main precondition for stability for them was the GeoGAP certification program, with the help of which Kakha checks, observes and records all stages of production.

Kakha says that the main challenge for local farmers is acquiring new knowledge and getting acquainted with new technology.

“The standard on which our production is based, and which gives us the status of a safe producer, is crucial.

GeoGAP certification is proof of the safety of our business, which opens the doors to many more partners and makes it easier to negotiate. You feel especially proud knowing you can be confident in the quality of your products and knowing that vegetables grown to these standards will compete with the products of countries with many years of agrarian tradition.”

Continued on page 9

BUSINESS

GEORGIA TODAY JULY 9 - 15, 2021

7

Iset Agri Review | The Agricultural Sector In 2020

O

n 15 June 2021, the National Statistics Office of Georgia published its annual publication for the agricultural sector - Agriculture of Georgia 2020. According to the publication, agriculture, forestry, and fishing comprised 8.4% of GDP in 2020, higher than the 7.2% share in 2019, but in line with the general trend over the last five years (agricultural GDP comprising on average 7-8% of GDP). Agricultural GDP in nominal terms increased by 13% on an annual basis. While nominally there is quite a significant increase, in real terms, the change amounted to 4% (Figure 1). Compared to 2019, in 2020 the production of cereals increased by 11%, vegetables – by 8%, melons and hay of annual grasses - by 5% and 4% respectively. As for sunflower, haricot beans, and hay of perennial grasses, their production decreased by 27%, 12%, and 10% respectively.

Production of all permanent crops except citrus increased annually by 8%-94% in 2020 compared to 2019. The biggest increase of 94% was observed in the case of pome fruit (apple, pear, quince), while production of citrus declined by 11%. As for livestock production, wool production increased by 6%, egg and milk production increased by 2% and 1% respectively, while meat production remained unchanged.

In terms of self-sufficiency ratios, there was no change for wheat, which has stayed at the 15% mark for the last

4 years. There is a declining trend for maize, as its production is decreasing.

The same is true for milk and milk products and vegetables. There has been a slight increase for meat and potatoes over the last 7 years and a slight reduction for eggs. The selfsufficiency rates for grapes and sheep and goat meat exhibit high volatility.

percentage points to the change in total CPI. The main drivers were price fluctuations in the following sub-groups: oils and fats (+42.7%↗), vegetables (-23.3%), fruit and grapes (-20.9%).

FOOD PRICE HIGHLIGHTS OF 2020 In 2020, prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 10% on

apples (32%), haricot beans (23%), Imeretian cheese (22%), tinned fish (18%), sunflower oil (17%), macaroni (17%), and wheat flour (17%). Meanwhile, price decreases were observed for cabbage (-38%) and onions (-9%) (Figure 2).

The main driver of price increases was the depreciation of the Georgian lari against the US dollar as Georgia is a net importer of food commodities.

During 2020, the Georgian lari depreciated against the US dollar by 10.3% from 2.82 to 3.11 compared to 2019 (National Bank of Georgia, 2021).

The lockdowns and disruptions in supply chains associated with the COVID-19 pandemic further increased food prices. In addition, countries took precautionary and restrictive measures on food trade as the pandemic posed significant risks to food security; for example, Russia, which is the major import partner of Georgia in terms of food, restricted exports of wheat, grains, and sunflower oil.

The upward trend of food prices in import countries was transmitted to Georgia’s local prices. It should be mentioned that in terms of harvest, 2020 was a good year for Georgian agriculture. The output of agriculture and food production also increased.

However, these positive trends in pro-

higher and amounted to 30%. Agricultural exports comprised 26% of total exports in 2021.

As for imports, total imports increased by 16% from 3,009 mln. USD in JanMay 2020 to 3,481 mln. USD in Jan-May 2021 . Agricultural imports also increased, but slightly by 3% and comprised 14% of total imports in 2021.

Traditionally the top export agricultural commodity is wine of fresh grapes.

Its exports amounted to 86 mln. USD in Jan-May 2021, comprising 22% of total agricultural exports. The exports of other spirituous beverages amounted to 57 mln. USD and 14% of total agricultural exports. The exports of mineral waters equaled 53 mln. USD (share of 13%), hazelnuts and other nuts – 34 mln. USD (share of 8%) and waters containing sugar – 22 mln. USD (share of 5%) (Figure 3).

POLICY WATCH The Government has approved changes to the Preferential Agro Credit project The Government of Georgia has approved amendments to the Preferential Agro Credit project. At the initiative of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, a new target has been added to the Preferential Agro Credit project. Within the

PRICE HIGHLIGHTS DOMESTIC PRICES In March 2021, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 4.2% compared to February 2021. In the following months, the country’s price levels stabilized on a monthly basis. In April 2021, prices increased by 0.9% from March 2021, while the corresponding month-over-month price change in May 2021 was 0.7%.

During March-May 2021, the monthly food price inflation rate also exhibited a downward trend. In March 2021, food prices measured by the Food Price Index (FPI) increased by 1.5% from February 2021, while in April and March 2021, the month-over-month food inflation rate decreased and remained at 0.3%.

From an annual perspective, the CPI continued to increase between March – May 2021. In March and April 2021, the CPI rose by 7.2% on an annual basis.

In May 2021, annual inflation marked its highest level and reached 7.7%.

In May 2021, year-over-year prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 3.3%, contributing 1.07

average. According to GeoStat’s recent publication “Agriculture of Georgia 2020”, annual prices increased for almost every major food commodity in 2020. Prices increased most for

duction were not enough to balance the effects of exchange rate and COVID19 related restrictions on food prices.

INTERNATIONAL PRICES During March – May 2021, international prices exhibited an upward trend on both a monthly and annual basis. In May 2021, the Food Price Index, measured by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), increased drastically, by 39.7% compared to May 2020, and marked the highest level since September 2011. The May increase in the FPI was driven by strong gains in vegetable oils (124%), sugar (57%) and cereals (37%) along with firmer dairy (28%) and meat (10%) prices. Such a sharp increase in vegetable oil prices was driven by increases in palm, soy, and rapeseed oil values due to rising global import demand, while sugar prices rose due to harvest delays and concerns over reduced crop yields in Brazil, the world's largest sugar exporter.

TRADE HIGHLIGHTS On an annual basis, in Jan-May of 2021 total exports increased by 24%. The change in agricultural exports was even

framework of the project, it became possible to purchase, install, and arrange renewable energy sources, which will help reduce the impact on the environment. At the same time, it will increase the introduction of the practice of using renewable energy sources in agricultural activities.

For more information see the following link: https://mepa.gov.ge/Ge/News/ Details/20407 GEL 7 billion will be spent on agriculture - the government's 10-year plan On the first of July, the Prime Minister of the country, Irakli Gharibashvili, presented the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia’s ten-year plan. According to the plan, the government and the private sector will invest 7 billion GEL in agriculture in the coming years.

For more information see the followi n g l i n k : h tt p s : / /t a b u l a . ge /ge / news/669461-soplis-meurneobashi7-miliardi-lari-daikharjeba?fbclid=Iw AR081OR5bYD9YkjIWyW-ur_wSk3P0hcw3BFAhT7Z7DyQK8SbpkyWqptQ4mQ

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SOCIETY

GEORGIA TODAY JULY 9 - 15, 2021

BTU Hosts Int’l Conference Initiative 5.0 - Digital Economy and Pandemic TRANSLATED BY ANA DUMBADZE

O

n July 2, the University of Business and Technology (BTU), in partnership with the European Marketing and Management Association (EUMMAS) Academic Consortium, hosted an international conference ‘Initiative 5.0 - Digital Economy and Pandemic.’

The conference was attended by researchers from BTU and partner international universities, representatives of the public and private sectors, members of local and international associations and organizations, and other stakeholders. At the event, research presentations were conducted by researchers from local and international universities.

Welcome speeches were delivered by BTU Rector Nino Enukidze and Prof.

Dr. Mile Vasic, EUMMAS President.

The following research presentations were delivered by BTU professors and foreign researchers: ‘Opportunities and Challenges of Digital Foreign Policy’ Khatuna Burkadze, Affiliate Professor at BTU; ‘Green Energy Opportunities - Business Model’ - Maia Melikidze, Affiliate Professor at BTU; Research: ‘Women in Tech: A Saga, Femtech and a Bright Future’ - Mariam Lashkhi, Affiliate Professor at BTU; Research: ‘Barriers and Challenges to the adoption of E-Health in Georgia’ - Nino Mikava, Affiliate Professor at BTU; Research: ‘Complementarity Perspective of Entrepreneurship Ecosystem’ Ani Vashakmadze, Affiliate Professor at BTU; Research: ‘Digital Trust Forming Process in Georgia’ - Tsotne Jgenti, Affiliate, Professor at BTU; Research: ‘Formation of Capital Market in Georgia

and its Integration Opportunities into International Financial Markets’ - Vakhtang Chkareuli, Associate Professor at BTU; Research: ‘Promoting a Startup Ecosystem in Georgia, Startup Status and Its Legal Regulation’ - Lado Sirdadze, Associate Professor at BTU; Research: ‘Have female entrepreneurs done better in COVID-19?’ - Maksim Belitski, Associate Professor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, University of Reading (UK); Research: ‘Green Corrosion Inhibitors for Offshore Oil and Gas Structure’ - Casen Panaitescu, Lecturer, Head of International Relations

Office, Petroleum-Gaz University of Ploiesti (Romania); Research: ‘Impact of Social Media on the Higher Educational Sector with Reference to Indian Context’ - Shanmugan Joghee, Associate Professor, School of Business, Skyline University College (UAE); Research: ‘A Novel Approach to Conducting Business research after Covid-19: Incorporating Crisis Elements in the Study Frameworks’ - Pranav Kumar, Professor, Skyline University College (UAE); Research: ‘Implementation of Digital Enabling Technologies in the Manufacturing Industry’ - Manuel Rios de Haro,

Professor, University of Granada (Spain); and Dzintra Atstaja (Professor), Liga Atstaja (Mg.), Didzis Rutitis (Dr.) - BA School of Business and Finance (Latvia): ‘Cybersecurity Risks and Challenges in Remote Work under the Covid-19 Pandemic.’

The aim of the conference was to share international expertise and the latest trends, achievements or research results in all sectors that contribute to the development of the digital economy and digital governance in Georgia.

Based on the University of Business and Technology Strategic Development Plan,

the University aims to participate in the development of Georgia's digital economy, integrate technology into various business sectors, promote sustainable development, and support the country's innovative ecosystem. To implement this plan, the University initiated Project 5.0, which integrates strategically important sectors for the country in the form of various studies, projects and events. These areas are: FEMTECH, MEDIATECH, LAWTECH AND LEGALTECH, FINTECH, EDTECH, AGRITECH, CULTURETECH, HEALTHTECH, GREENTECH, ENTREPRENEURSHIP.

Are We Seriously Losing Our Chance at Westernization?

OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE

T

he LGBTQI life has both supporters and opponents in this country. Abortion has the same status, and feminism too, for that matter. The rest of the world is more or less balanced in this regard, by which I mean, people are not using their fists in their struggle to achieve goals, whatever those goals might be: They just use their tongues when they intend to put forward their principles and ideas. Here in Georgia, we don’t talk. We go physical forthwith when we are offered something that is not very much to our liking.

I’ll try to explain it by means of analyzing our national oversensitive nervous system.

We are herewith talking about the supporters of the Pride Movement in Georgia and their opponents. The Pride activists try to hold parades here once a year, in order to remind society that they want to enjoy life and human rights exactly as other people do, and they undoubtedly have reason for this. Throwing in the encyclopedic definition, a pride parade is an outdoor event celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary and queer social and self-accept-

ance, achievements, legal rights, and pride.

We saw rather large crowds of people in the streets of Tbilisi over the last few days, either for or against the parade, but I strongly suspect that many of the supporters and opponents of the Pride Parade, including the journalists, don’t have even the slightest clue of how the English word ‘pride’ translates into Georgian, which means that they place themselves for or against something, despite

The no-man’s land. Photo by Mike Godwin

the content not being completely clear to them. This sounds like one of my little jokes but, you know, every joke has a grain of truth to it. And the grain is that some of us, be we LGBTQI supporters or opponents, need to be a little better versed in the roots of the situation.

Nothing is simple here in Georgia. We are living in a totally different world compared to what we witnessed 30-40 years ago. Human life and our ability to reason about it has been drastically

accelerated by electronic information flow, within which we often get lost, not being able to tell right from wrong, or to answer questions like how much humankind in general gains from either supporting or opposing a small bunch of people who are only trying to tell the world that they don’t mean any harm; that, if nature calls, then the human effort to ignore that call is futile, so let them be who they are and want to be.

But every coin has a flipside. The story

of humanity is long and complicated, and has accumulated certain stereotypes which are not easy to overcome as quickly as that, and there are people who want to continue living those stereotypes. The question is, do they also have the right to be that way? Perhaps novel attitudes and renovated interpretations of very old human habits and ways of life need to be introduced more gradually than is being done in our accelerated times!

The situation is highly contradictory, but there is one undeniable truth about it. In our times of runaway spiritual and electronic development, violence has become totally irrelevant, and it is high time for all of us on our beautiful earth to substitute violence in general with something that is more humane, and that is, of course, intelligent discourse.

Things like Human Rights, LGBTQI Life and Pride Parades are all Western phenomena, vigorously and hastily being planted nowadays in the Eastern world.

The notion of the West is mostly associated with tolerance, patience, and benevolence towards anything that is innate to Homosapiens, but Westernization cannot happen quickly. It is a painful process and it needs a lot of education and understanding to be applied. Awareness of this might not be a universal panacea, but it could at least keep us safe from bruised faces and death threats.

SOCIETY

GEORGIA TODAY JULY 9 - 15, 2021

9

Shopping for a Storm: Svaneti

BLOG BY TONY HANMER

W

e were expecting 18 guests from Poland, and at last had also managed to find a local helper for the guest house. Being a widow, she had no husband to ask permission of, with the likely answer a refusal of what might be perceived as less than honorable work somehow. Her children are all but one no longer “in the nest”, and the remaining boy is independent enough that he could fend for himself for most if not all of a day. So she said yes, and proved to be valuable help indeed.

She and my wife did all the cooking, after drawing up a menu for supper and breakfast, nice and varied with many of the classic Georgian or Svan dishes. I helped as I could with getting beds and the space upstairs ready, as well as finishing the emptying out of two rooms downstairs which the shop’s overflow had taken over. It’s a big house, but there is only so much room. We expected our guests at the usual time of late afternoon,

all together in one specially ordered minivan-bus.

However, things turned interesting once all the cooking was (most mercifully) finished. The electricity went off.

This happens more frequently than one would like to admit up here, but it is free of charge in Mestia region, so we generally don’t complain. However, twilight was beginning to fall and we couldn’t reach our guests by cell phone. This usually means that they are in one of the off-footprint areas about 20 km below us, where there are no villages nearby and no coverage. So we hoped that they would arrive soon. Meantime, we gathered the candles, solar garden lights and flashlights which we had, to be ready.

It was 10:30 that night before the minivan arrived and disgorged its tired company into our darkness. We got everyone inside and soon they were eating heartily and telling us what had happened.

There had been quite a storm, and trees had blocked the road near Khaishi, normally about an hour’s drive below us.

There they waited for about three hours for cutting crews to come and clear a path just wide enough for a single vehicle to pass. Glad to be safe and secure

at last, they wrapped up at about midnight and we washed up as best we could in the dimly lit dark.

The next morning, I had to leave at 7 for Zugdidi in my 4x4 to shop for building materials for the café which we won an EU grant for last fall and are making near the house. Make sure you get big printed receipts for everything, my wife sternly reiterated to me, as without them we won’t get reimbursed! Cement, steel box-beams and wire, and a few odds and ends on this trip, which also would need a big truck to haul it all up on, and 450 GEL for the driver. Our new helper arrived just before I left, and I knew things were in good hands with my wife and her together.

The road down was, I think, the worst I’ve seen it outside of winter. Rock falls of all sizes from gravel to car-crusher littered the cement or asphalt in countless spots, but someone had obviously been through before me, as the whole way there was a path to carefully thread.

More tree trunks too, more than I have ever known on this road, which may offer a single such occurrence at a time; but all cut to let cars through. No ordinary storm, this had been. Also, a couple of police cars and some other cars were stopped together near the edge of the Enguri hydroelectric dam, and I later found out why.

I did my shopping and returned about 10 hours after I had left. This time I was equally amazed but for the opposite reason: ALL of the debris on the road had been cleared up! The whole way! This was clearly not the work of a single crew, as there had been much too much of it.

To be honest, I am generally most dissatisfied with the poor condition of our main road and the sloth with which it is cleared of rocks. I suppose that now we were back into full tourism season, the government wanted to make a good impression on the foreign guests. Worked for me, too.

It turned out that a man from Becho living in Khaishi had gone over the rails

GeoGAP, Setting the Standards: Translating Consumer Requirements into Good Agricultural Practice

“Producing a quality and safe product will give local farmers completely new opportunities and take them to the next stage of production,” Kakha says.

“Imagine keeping harvest records that allow you to see the production process from a different angle and to focus on important details, to observe growth trends, compare results by year. Also, with the help of GeoGAP, it is easy to look at your production more broadly: to explore, to evaluate the environment where you grow the produce and to get significant results even with small improvements. Georgian farmers have a good opportunity to enter the European market and this is evidenced by the special quality and taste of our products.”

easily to them: ‘Vegetables from Imereti,’ and its producers are especially proud of the distinctive taste, aroma and quality of their produce.

“Constant quality control is an exercise to be in good shape, for you as a manufacturer and also for your produce, which shouldn’t be purchased by a customer only once: Demand for it must be stable and growing,” Shalva tells us. “GeoGAP will teach you exactly how to achieve this goal; how to produce a safe product, and how to make this fact a special feature of your production.”

Why would you advise farmers to work towards the GeoGAP standard themselves?

“Every farmer who looks at their business from a long-term perspective should understand that the near future belongs to safe products, and that the demand for them will increase. The easiest, most experienced, and tailored way to achieve this quality is to move to production of the GeoGAP standard,” Shalva says.

VEGETABLES FROM IMERETI

BLUEBERRY DREAMS

“Such quality is given to us thanks to the approaches we have learned and tested through GeoGAP,” say Shalva Kupaladze and Giorgi Kukhianidze.

Greenhouse production by Shalva and Giorgi is a new continuation of their family business, aiming to establish a special quality of Imereti herbs on the local and international market.

A few years ago, their attending a seminar of a Dutch agro-specialist opened their eyes to a new opportunity. Back home, they shared their new knowledge with their fellow villagers, and in so doing laid the foundation for a new greenhouse unity. The name also came

Giorgi Zakaraia, a farmer from the Samegrelo region, has been running a blueberry plantation since 2018. Currently, the plantation is spread over 9 hectares of land. It is a family business in which Giorgi’s parents and wife are also involved.

After living abroad for almost 20 years, Giorgi returned to his homeland, and instead of choosing a job in public service in Tbilisi, he decided to get involved in agriculture. Initially, he ran a hazelnut plantation in Samegrelo, however, after getting acquainted with the state program ‘Plant the Future’ and the advantages of cultivating blueberry, he set up a blueberry plantation in Zugdidi.

Continued from page 6

WHY WOULD YOU ADVISE FARMERS TO WORK TOWARDS THE GEOGAP STANDARD THEMSELVES?

The farmer says that launching the plantation was a risk at that time due to a lack of relevant practice in the country, but the move led to success. Over three years, with Giorgi gaining experience and getting support through various state programs, the business has grown.

Now Giorgi’s goal is to further improve his production and bring it in line with international standards, and he plans to do so by obtaining GeoGAP certification.

He believes that it will significantly help his business to develop, eventually enabling him to reach international markets.

into the Enguri dam, thus the police, later joined by firefighters. I don’t know firm details of the accident except that he had perished. He seems to have been the only casualty of the night’s fury, although several houses in Mestia lost their roofs. I was just glad to be back home with mission accomplished and guests well met despite the challenges.

And glad that this storm was over. Peace has returned.

Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a weekly writer and photographer for GT since early 2011. He runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook group, now with nearly 2000 members, at www.facebook.com/ groups/SvanetiRenaissance/ He and his wife also run their own guest house in Etseri: www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti

UNFPA Regional Director Visits Georgia Credit: Dinu Bubulici

WHY WOULD YOU ADVISE FARMERS TO WORK TOWARDS THE GEOGAP STANDARD THEMSELVES? “Getting GeoGAP certification will prove our product is healthy and safe to human health and will also help in exporting our products to European markets,” Giorgi tells us.

“In my case, to achieve this goal, we’ve improved the infrastructure and production process. For instance, we’ve arranged a special area for refrigerators, where harvested blueberry should be cooled in accordance with quality standards.

The construction will be completed by winter, with all the sanitary norms being strictly observed.

“Right now, we’re busy harvesting, and once the season is over, we’ll continue the process and work towards that GeoGAP certificate even more actively. I believe this will open a lot of new opportunities for our family business, increase awareness about our product, and attract more customers, making it easier for us to export to international markets and grow our business towards even more success.”

M

s. Alanna Armitage, the Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, visited Georgia on 8-9 July to meet representatives of the Government of Georgia, civil society organizations and partner organizations.

Ms. Armitage’s second visit to Georgia will serve to strengthen cooperation, in particular in the fields of sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality and empowerment of women and adolescent girls, healthy and active ageing through implementing relevant

policies and engaging partners from different sectors.

Ms. Armitage has worked to promote women’s health, development and human rights for the past three decades. She joined UNFPA in 1992, and has served in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America. Prior to joining UNFPA, Ms. Armitage worked for the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the United Nations Development Programme.

Alanna Armitage was appointed as the Director of UNFPA’s Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia in 2016.

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CULTURE

GEORGIA TODAY JULY 9 - 15, 2021

Georgian-Austrian Literary-Ecological Parallels Dedicated to Memory of Poet, Environmentalist Nugzar Zazanashvili

BY ANA DUMBADZE

O

n July 1, CENN, in collaboration with the National Wildlife Agency, hosted an evening dedicated to the memory of renowned Georgian poet and environmental activist Nugzar Zazanashvili in Krtsanisi Forest Park.

The event, entitled ‘Georgian-Austrian Literary-Ecological Parallels’ saw an exciting excursion for the participants along the exhibition route of famous Austrian artist and environmentalist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, whose artistic visions and creative works had much in common with the well-known Georgian poet.

The evening was hosted by CENN representatives Rezo Getiashvili and Levan Sebiskveradze, WWF’s Nino Peradze, Human Rights Center representative Aleko Tskitishvili, and numerous writers and environmentalists.

The attendees, including family members, friends and colleagues of Nugzar Zazanashvili, writers and environmentalists, and representatives of the younger generation, enjoyed walking on a trail arranged in a unique natural, fresh, and cozy environment, while viewing the amazingly beautiful and deeply meaningful works of the Austrian environmental artist.

Hundertwasser's ecological practice focused on the idea of restoring nature's rights through tree planting and greening activities (foresting roofs, tree tenants), the restoration of natural cycles, the protection of water, and the fight for a waste-free society.

‘The guests of nature’ (as the exhibition

is called) had an opportunity to experience the world of the Austrian artist, learn about his experience and ecological vision, and to discover parallels with the creative works of Nugzar Zazanashvili. Notably, the key theme of the both artists’ works is a close connection with nature, once again reminding us that we all are the guests of nature in this world and emphasizing the importance of showing respect to and care for our host.

In the authentic flora and fauna, surrounded by the biodiversity of Krtsanisi, guests were once again reminded that the beauty of the environment needs to be protected.

After enjoying the paintings of Hundertwasser and getting acquainted with his environmental ideas, the guests gathered in Krtsanisi Park remembered the life and work of Nugzar Zazanashvili with special warmth and emotions.

As part of the event, his family members, colleagues, teachers, and friends read poems from his very last collection “It will go, It will go, It will go ,” published by ‘Intellect,’ which once again reminded the audience about his special attitude toward nature.

The evening was also attended by Papuna Kapanadze, the representative of the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Head of the Protected Areas and Forest Policy Division of Biodiversity and Forest Department, who announced yet another important initiative to immortalize the memory and contribution of Nugzar Zazanashvili. In particular, he said, in the Kakheti region, in the vicinity of the Eldari Lowland, a protected area named after Zazanashvili will be established.

The protected area is spread over 13,000 hectares of land, which is home to up to

170 goitered gazelle. Notably, the Ministry in cooperation with WWF is developing a special project for their restoration and breeding. Zazanashvili, as an environmental activist, devoted a lot of effort and energy to this issue in his lifetime and significantly contributed to the launch of such a process, hence the dedication of the protected area naming.

Poet, essayist and ecologist Nugzar Zazanashvili passed away in May 2021.

He is the author of 5 collections. His poems were first published in 1981.

Recalling stories and memories related to this amazingly talented and at the same time humble and simple person turned out to be especially emotional for each participant of the event.

Nugzar’s daughter, Keti Zazanashvili, addressed the guests, thanking CENN and the World Wildlife Fund for organizing the event. She recalled more personal and unknown details of her father, characterizing him as not only great artist and poet, but also a kind and warmhearted person.

“Now I see that immortality is possible, while so many people love, respect and remember him, my father will not go anywhere: he and his works will stay with us,” she noted.

Nugzar Zazanashvili is also the author of numerous publicist and popular publications dedicated to nature protection.

Graduated from Tbilisi State University, Faculty of Geography and Geology, he majored in Physical Geography. He worked with the WWF Caucasus Program from the early 1990s and was one of the heads of the WWF programs.

Through his coordination and direct

participation, a number of important projects were implemented, including the development of protected areas.

Nugzar Zazanashvili 's scientific interest was the conservation and sustainable use of the Caucasus’ biodiversity, protected areas, landscape studies, landscape ecology, biogeography, vegetation ecology and cartography.

He was an associate professor at Ilia State University.

Those interested in seeing the exhibition in Krtsanisi Forest Park can visit it until July 8. Every Monday and Thursday.

Along with an exhibition, various thematic events are regularly organized in the park.

The Hundertwasser exhibition in Krtsanisi Park was opened on June 5, World Environment Day, by the Austrian Embassy, the Austrian Development Cooperation, the National Wildlife Agency and CENN. The exhibition presents the artist’s idea of spiral continuity, which you will discover in nonlinear, wavy, and circular shapes. The open-air exhibition marks both World Environment Day and the long-standing partnership between Austria and Georgia. The exhibition not only presents the work of Hundertwasser but also presents joint projects of Austria and local partner organizations.

CULTURE

GEORGIA TODAY JULY 9 - 15, 2021

11

The History of Georgian Ceramics: One of Georgia’s Oldest Traditions Still Very Much Alive Today

BY NINI DAKHUNDARIDZE FOR MADE IN GEORGIA

L

ike many other ancient nations, ceramics are a big part of both the past and present of Georgian culture. There have been hardly any archaeological excavations on Georgian land that did not unearth centuries-old pottery of different types of craftsmanship. From the cultures of Kura-Araxes and Trialeti, the Ancient era to the Medieval period, ceramic artefacts show that pottery was a way for Georgian ancestors to portray and accessorise their culture, religion, and social life.

It is well documented that Georgia has ancient roots. The first humans, Homo Erectus Georgicus, that is, found in Georgia, date back 1.8 million years. The history of Georgian ceramics starts early on too, in the Neolithic period. It seems Georgians at this time had already mastered relief-making on top of ceramics: A clay wine vessel, considered to be the oldest wine vessel in the world, found in the region of Kvemo Kartli, has details of grapevines, signalling that winemaking had become or was becoming a big part of the local culture.

By the 4th - 3rd millennia, religious beliefs, as well as a fascination with astrology, were adopted into early Georgian cultures, demonstrated by the ceramics of this period which included some religious and astral symbols. The craftsmen had moved on to high-quality, black-glossy pottery, perfected with geometric ornaments.

Influenced by connections with Western Asia, the 2nd millennium’s Trialeti culture shows the craftsmanship of not only pottery, but also metallurgy. Found in the Kurgan burial sites, vessels made

from silver and gold show the excellent detail-oriented approach of the craftsmen. The designs on some cups attest to the multifunctional meaning of the grapevines, as by then the plant had become a part of religious symbolism, and vessels themselves were integral to religious rituals.

The symbolism of the grapevine only got more colorful over time. By the early Iron Age, ancient Georgians had already established the culture of the ‘Tamada’ (a Georgian toastmaster), as shown on a little bronze sculpture of a man from Vani, which, if you look at it closely enough, seems very modern, from the 8th-6th century BC. A ram-shaped wine vessel made from clay also dates back to this period, uniting the cultures of wine and ram with Georgian tradition, also giving it a touch of Greek mythology.

Crafted from bronze, horn-like drinking vessels, known in modern-day Georgia as Kantsi, also originate from this period.

Georgian pottery from the Antiquity period further establishes the grapevine and wine as major symbols of the nation’s culture and aspirations, as the craftsmen seemed to be under Greek and Roman influences, especially in the Western part of Georgia. This era sees the emergence of farm culture depicted on ceramic and metallurgic vessels:

bulls, horses, and again, rams.

Moving on to the AD period, and as wine culture grew stronger in the country, craftsmen started shaping vessels and cups in different ways. Shortly after Christianity became a part of Georgian culture, the medieval craftsmen started their own renaissance period early, going back to the roots of local ceramics. Just as in the early Bronze Age, popular features used on jars and dishes were birds and animals.

Now more colorful than ever in its sense and style, medieval Georgian pottery can easily be connected to that of the Near East and general Caucasus region.

The 13th century Mongol invasions forced the country to take a few steps back in the production of crafts.

Pottery-making would not resume until the 18th century, at which time it became more of a part of folk culture, a sort of everyday crockery. In the 20th century, up to 50 potteries opened up around the country, in an effort to keep up with the thousands of years of tradition. And this is ongoing today, with every Georgian region featuring at least one pottery studio.

In addition to accessorising, ceramics in Georgia were made throughout history to function as practical vessels for holding water, milk, and wine, to Bronze Iron Age statue of the "tamada" (Toastmaster)

Traditional wine-drinking vessel "Marani". By Ceramics Master Givi Tatulashvili

use as kitchen utensils, to store grain, and for use in construction.

The Georgians have now of course switched to more ‘modern’ solutions – milk is kept in cartons, water is kept in bottles; but much of Georgian wine remains in earthenware vessels of qvevri.

Before sitting down to write this piece, I meant to write separately about the history of Georgian ceramics and only connect it to the wine-making culture in the last paragraph. However, the more I researched, the more evident it became

The Tatulashvili Ceramics Studio and Museum in Gori

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that this history is twofold: like most Georgian things, ceramics, too, are intertwined with the wine culture of the country. It should be so; indeed, the oldest wine vessel in the world found in Kvemo Kartli, dated back 8,000 years, revealed the earliest precedent of grapebased wine, making Georgia the motherland of grape winemaking.

Originally published in Made in Georgia magazine, a UK-based journal promoting Georgia and its investment potential.

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